Background On Our Skin
Let’s give a quick background about our skin. Our skin is our largest organ in the body that produces its own beneficial oils for our skin. Our oils help lubricate, heal, protect and moisturize our skin so it can function properly. When we use soaps and cleansers we are stripping our skin from the natural oils we produce which makes our skin produce even more of the oil to compensate for us taking it away. Because it is in overdrive producing more oils this leads to clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads. Contrary to popular belief we do not get acne from oil, but instead we get acne from many different factors such as hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the build up of these factors. So OIL=GOOD and the reason this OCM works is because like dissolves like, so our natural oil and the oils we are using to cleanse work together.
The Ingredients
There are two ingredients we use for this cleansing method. The first and the most important is Castor Oil.
I have also been researching up about Tea Tree Oil and have found it is great for breakouts so I will be adding this to my mixture as well which I got from Wal-Mart, it was the most expensive at $15. This whole project cost me about $30 but if you didn't use the Tea Tree Oil, it would only cost you about $12 that's so cheap because a little will last you a long time!
The Oil Cleansing Ratio
Alright so when first starting out with this method it is best to mix small amounts in case we need to change up the ratios based on your skin type. Here’s a quick rule, if after using the method you find your face to be too dry, remove Castor Oil or add more of your Secondary Oil. If your face is too oily, add Castor Oil or remove some Secondary Oil.
For starting out I am using tsp of the oils incase I need to change up the ratios.
- For Oily Skin: Use 2/3 Castor Oil to 1/3 Secondary Oil (2tsp Castor Oil, 1stp Seconday Oil)
- Normal Skin: Use equal parts castor oil and secondary oil (1 ½tsp Castor Oil, 1 ½tsp Secondary Oil) - - Dry Skin: Use 1/3 Castor Oil to 2/3 Secondary Oil (1tsp Castor Oil, 2tsp Secondary Oil)
* Remember these ratios aren’t set in stone but a good starting point, everyone’s skin is different so you may need to adjust accordingly
The Oil Cleansing Method
1. Prepare your mixture into a small bottle. You can do this ahead of time or complete it now.
I am just using an old shampoo bottle to put my mixture in. I am going to start out with the mixture for oily skin.
I added 2 tsps of Castor Oil, 1 tsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil & a few drops of Tea Tree Oil. Then mixed it together.
2. Get a clean washcloth and turn your hot water on to warm it up3. Starting with a dirty face, no need to pre-clean here, even leave your makeup on, rinse your face lightly with warm water.
4. Then pour about the size of a quarter amount onto your palm. Gently apply it on your face, massaging it into your face in circles. Massage for 2 minutes, then let the oil sit and do it’s job for 30 more seconds.
5. Wet your washcloth with very warm water, make sure its not cold as you need the warm water to soften the oil. Place the wet washcloth onto your face and hold it there for 10-15 seconds or until washcloth is cool to let the warm water open up your pores and help the oil get deep into there.
6. Slowly begin to wipe off the oil.
7. Rinse your washcloth and repeat until all the oil is off of your skin.
And it's easy as that! I am going to be very brave & post a beginning photo of this challenge. Feel free to join the challenge with me & post your before picture :) See you in 14 days!